Out-of-State Medical License Permissions for COVID-19

On March 14, 2020, Governor Abbott directed both the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBN) to fast-track temporary licensing of “out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, certain retired physicians, nurses, and other license types” so they can assist with COVID-19 response.

Out of State Medical Licenses: Pursuant to 22 Tex. Admin. Code §§172.20 & 172.21, TMB allows out-of-state physicians (and other professionals regulated by the TMB) to obtain a temporary license, limited emergency license, or hospital-to-hospital credentialing within the disaster declaration period (as applicable). Specific requirements are found on the TMB website.

Recently Retired Physicians: Pursuant to 22 Tex. Admin. Code §166.3, the TMB is inviting physicians to return to apply for a return to active status if they are: (a) Texas residents and (b) have had their licenses in an “official retired status” for less than two-years ret. Tpecific requirements are found on the TMB website.

Nurses: Pursuant to Tex. Gov’t Code §418.171, out-of-state nurses both licensed and in good standing in another state are not required to hold a Texas license in to practice nursing in a disaster relief effort operation setting. Specific requirements are found on the TBN website.

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